Consultancy and research

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 720 console could require an internet connection to fully function, according to a news report. Edge magazine reports that Microsoft's new console will require an internet connection with activation codes for games on 50GB-capacity Blu-ray discs.

Citing sources with "first-hand experience" of the new Xbox console, Edge reports that it's likely that purchased games will not be able to be resold.

The move could be an attempt to tackle the second hand game market, forcing players to buy new games to be able to play them.

Suggesting that “A new iteration of Xbox Live will be an integral part of Microsoft’s next console,” the latest report added: “Although the next Xbox will be absolutely committed to online functionality, games will still be made available to purchase in physical form.”

Rubbishing claims that Microsoft will move to a wholly digital platform for its next-gen gamer, Edge has added that “next Xbox games will be manufactured on 50GB-capacity Blu-ray discs,” with Microsoft ensuring “games purchased on disc will ship with activation codes, and will have no value beyond the initial user.”

Edge also backs up previous rumors that an AMD CPU will power the next Xbox, but doesn't shed light on any further specifications.

Microsoft is widely expected to fully detail its next-generation Xbox at E3 in the summer, with a release date later this year.

An Xbox 720 release date tipped to see the console touch down ahead of the pre-Christmas rush as a direct Sony PS4 rival.